Suspected opioid overdose? Act now.
If breathing is slow, irregular, or stopped, call an ambulance immediately. You are doing the right thing.
- Check for signs of overdose
- Call an ambulance now
- Give Nyxoid
- Place in the recovery position
- Monitor and support
- If there’s no response
- Stay safe
- When the ambulance arrives
- Dispose used Nyxoid
For full instructions, read the leaflet or watch the video.
Report side effects to a healthcare professional or via mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Reporting helps improve medicine safety.
Check for signs of overdose
1. Make the area safe
Look for dangers (for example needles).
2. Check for a response
Shout their name.
Shake shoulders, or rub the sternum.
3. Check breathing
Clear the mouth and nose.
Check breathing for 10 seconds — look, listen, and feel.
4. Look for overdose signs
No response.
Slow, irregular, or no breathing.
Gasping or snoring sounds.
Blue lips or nails.
Call an ambulance now
Call emergency services immediately.
Put your phone on loudspeaker. Stay with the person.
- Give your location
- Say if they are breathing and responsive
- Say you are giving Nyxoid (naloxone)
Help is on the way.
Nyxoid does not replace emergency care or CPR.
Give Nyxoid
1. Prepare
Peel off the backing.
Remove the spray and keep it within reach.
2. Position
Lay them on their back.
Tilt the head back.
Clear any visible blockage from the nose.
3. Hold correctly
Two fingers on the nozzle. Thumb on the plunger.
Do not test or prime.
4. Give 1 dose
Insert into one nostril.
Press firmly until it clicks.
Remove the spray.
Place in the recovery position
1. Nearest arm
Place at a right angle. Elbow bent.
2. Far arm
Bring across the chest.
Back of hand against the cheek.
3. Far leg
Lift just above the knee.
4. Roll onto their side
Roll them towards you.
Support the head.
5. Final position
Hand supports the head. Top leg stays bent.
Monitor and support
Stay with them
Keep watching breathing and response.
If they are not breathing normally
Start CPR if you are trained.
They can relapse
They may improve, then stop breathing again.
If there’s no response
Give a second dose
If there is no improvement after 2–3 minutes, give a new spray.
Use the other nostril.
You can do this while they are in the recovery position.
Stay safe
Nyxoid can cause withdrawal
This can happen suddenly.
Possible symptoms
Body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, sweating, shivering, runny nose, irritability.
Keep your distance if needed
They may wake confused or aggressive.
Stay calm. Wait for the ambulance.
When the ambulance arrives
Tell them what happened
Explain what you saw and what you did.
Hand over the used spray(s).
Dispose used Nyxoid
Used sprays
Give them to paramedics or a healthcare professional.
Do not throw them away in household waste or water waste.
What is Nyxoid?
Nyxoid is a life-saving nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdoses.
- Works on opioids such as heroin, methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone, buprenorphine, and morphine
- Each pack contains 2 sprays (2 doses)
Nyxoid is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always call an ambulance.
If someone is at risk of overdose, they should carry Nyxoid. Family and friends should know where it is kept.
When to use Nyxoid
Use Nyxoid if you think the person may have taken opioids and they:
- Will not wake up
- Are breathing slowly, irregularly, or not at all
- Have blue lips or fingernails
- Make choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
⚠ Always call an ambulance immediately — even if the person wakes up. They may become unconscious again and stop breathing.
⚠ Nyxoid can cause acute withdrawal symptoms, which may be serious.
If you carry Nyxoid
Set a reminder one month before expiry and arrange a replacement.
How does Nyxoid work?
Nyxoid contains naloxone.
Naloxone temporarily reverses an opioid overdose.
It works by blocking opioids at receptors in the brain and body, which can help breathing start again.
Important: the effect can wear off. The person can stop breathing again. Keep monitoring and wait for the ambulance.
Summary video
⚠ Carry Nyxoid. Tell others where it is. It could save a life.